About Me

I bought an older home that wasn't plumbed for the appliances found in most modern kitchens. I didn't have the water and drain lines that I needed for a dishwasher and I knew that I couldn't live without one. I didn't have the waterlines I needed for a refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser, but that I could probably live without. Then, I started thinking, why should I make sacrifices on the things that I genuinely wanted in my kitchen? This blog will show you what it takes to upgrade the plumbing in older homes to accommodate the appliances of today.

Hopefully, having a burst water pipe is something you will never have to experience as a homeowner. Still, because the results can be catastrophic if you don't know how to react to a burst pipe, it's always best to prepare for the unexpected. In the event that a water pipe bursts in your home, there are a few things you need to know to minimize damage and keep yourself safe.

Know the Signs

Obviously, flooding inside your home will be a surefire sign of a burst pipe or major leak. However, it's not always that simple. When pipes burst from behind walls, it can take awhile for signs to become apparent. Be on the lookout for subtle signs of a burst pipe inside a wall, such as the sound of rushing water or a surprisingly high water bill.

Shut Off Your Water Supply

If you know a pipe has burst in your home, shut off your water supply immediately to minimize damage. In most homes, the water supply will be located near your water heater, but this can vary. Take some time to locate your home's shut-off supply now so you can be prepared in the event that this happens to you!

Avoid Areas of Standing Water

Once your water is shut off, assess the damage. Be sure, however, to avoid any areas of standing water, as these could be dangerous to enter.

Call an Emergency Plumber

Next, call an emergency plumber to repair the pipe or pipes that burst in your home. Keep in mind that if a pipe has burst behind a wall, you will also need to hire a contractor to repair and redo the drywall once the plumber is done working.

Beware of Mold and Mildew

If extensive water damage or flooding has occurred in your home, you will also need to call a damage restoration company to properly dry out your home. Otherwise, you run the risk of facing mold and mildew issues down the road. This can be dangerous to your health, so this is not something you want to put off or ignore.

Dealing with a burst water pipe in your home can be a nightmare, but by knowing how to react and what steps to take ahead of time, you can minimize damage to your personal property. Keep in mind that your home insurance policy may also help pay for any damages.